José Félix Ribas facts for kids
José Félix Ribas was a Venezuelan hero who fought for his country's independence from Spain. He was born in Caracas on September 19, 1775, and sadly died on January 31, 1815. Ribas played a very important role in the Venezuelan War of Independence, inspiring many people to join the fight for freedom.
His Early Life
José Félix Ribas was the youngest of eleven brothers. He came from a well-known family in Caracas. He received a good education, even attending a seminary, which is a school for religious studies. After his schooling, he started working in farming.
When he was 21, he married María Josefa Palacios. She was the aunt of Simón Bolívar, another very famous Venezuelan independence leader. Ribas soon became interested in ideas of freedom and self-governance. He believed Venezuela should be independent from Spanish rule.
Ribas got involved in a secret plan in 1808 to start a revolution. This plan failed, and he was captured. He managed to convince the authorities that he was just in a public square by chance. But really, he was meeting other people who wanted independence to plan an uprising. He was later set free.
In 1810, a big revolution started on April 19. Ribas was seen all over Caracas, encouraging people to protest against Spain. After this event, he joined the new temporary government on April 25. He was put in charge of the city of Caracas.
Becoming a Military Leader
Even though José Félix Ribas had no military training, he became a Colonel. He was put in charge of the Barlovento Battalion, a group of soldiers he helped create using his own money. He also worked closely with Francisco de Miranda, another important leader.
Ribas joined a group called the Sociedad Patriótica. This group was like a club where people talked about equal rights for all citizens. They wanted to encourage everyone to support the revolution.
During a time when Venezuela was briefly independent, Ribas fought in many battles. These battles were part of a campaign called the "Admirable Campaign." His most famous victory was the Battle of La Victoria on February 12, 1814. In this battle, Ribas and his soldiers stopped the strong Spanish royalist forces. The royalists were loyal to the King of Spain.
Ribas won this battle with a very special army. His troops were mostly young people, students, and even seminary candidates. They were not experienced soldiers. Before the battle, Ribas told his young fighters, "We have no choice between victory or death; we must achieve victory." After many hours of fierce fighting, more Venezuelan soldiers arrived and helped them win.
Because of this amazing victory, Venezuela now celebrates "Día de la Juventud," or "Day of Youth," every year on February 12. It honors the brave young people who fought with Ribas.
A Hero's End
Ribas continued to fight bravely. He was in the Battle of Urica, where the Venezuelan forces lost, but the main royalist leader, José Tomás Boves, was killed. After this, Ribas and his soldiers tried to make a final stand at the Fifth Battle of Maturín, but they were defeated again.
Ribas had to run away with his nephew and a loyal servant. Sadly, he was betrayed by a slave and captured by the royalists. He was executed, and his head was sent to Caracas. It was displayed publicly in a cage to try and scare the people who supported independence. But his bravery was never forgotten.
Remembering Ribas
Even almost 200 years later, José Félix Ribas is still remembered as a national hero. The government of Hugo Chávez named a special program "Missión Ribas" in his honor. This program helps people finish their education.
There are also two towns in Venezuela named after him: José Félix Ribas Municipality, Aragua and José Félix Ribas Municipality, Guárico. His legacy continues to inspire Venezuelans today.
See also
In Spanish: José Félix Ribas para niños
- History of Venezuela
- Venezuelan War of Independence
- Military career of Simón Bolívar
- Spanish American wars of independence
